What Is Noncombustible Wood?
Noncombustible wood is a building material specially treated to be fire-resistant. It is increasingly used in construction sites and public facilities where fire resistance is essential. With the growing use of wood in various buildings, noncombustible wood is gaining significant attention.
The fire-retardant performance of buildings and materials is categorized into three major groups: noncombustible, quasi-incombustible, and flame-retardant. Noncombustibility refers to the ability to withstand high temperatures for a certain period. It protects a building’s interior structure by preventing flame spread for a specified duration, even under direct exposure to fire.
Quasi-incombustibility has similar heat resistance to noncombustibility but doesn’t meet the same duration criteria. Flame-retardant materials resist flames, limiting fire spread and ceasing combustion quickly in case of a fire.
Uses of Noncombustible Wood
Due to its fire resistance, noncombustible wood finds diverse applications in construction, such as in roofing, exterior walls, ceilings, walls, and floors. Its high noncombustibility prevents rapid fire spread, enhancing a building’s fire resistance performance.
It is especially pertinent in hotels, hospitals, high-rise buildings, nursing homes, and daycare centers, where fire resistance is crucial. Selection of noncombustible wood should be based on the specific location and intended purpose.
Characteristics of Noncombustible Wood
Advantages
Noncombustible wood’s primary advantages include its reduced flammability and slower fire spread compared to regular wood. This is achieved through special processing or treatments that enhance the wood’s fire resistance.
It can significantly slow down fire spread in buildings, providing a crucial window for extinguishing fires at an early stage and preventing large-scale blazes. Additionally, noncombustible wood retains the natural beauty of wood, offering enhanced durability and longevity.
Thus, noncombustible wood is a material of choice for its combination of improved fireproof performance, aesthetic appeal, and durability.
Disadvantages
While noncombustible wood is flame-resistant, a white powdery residue may appear on its surface, known as “white powder on noncombustible wood.”
This phenomenon is a consideration when using noncombustible wood. Although this white residue is weather-resistant, it may be aesthetically displeasing and can be mistaken for dirt.
To prevent this whitewash, waterproofing the wood’s surface or periodic painting is effective. If white residue does appear, it can be removed with a special cleaner, but care must be taken not to damage the wood’s surface.
Regular maintenance, waterproofing, and painting are important for managing the appearance of noncombustible wood and preventing the formation of white powder.
Types of Noncombustible Wood
Noncombustible wood varies depending on the treatment method.
1. Noncombustible Wood by Painting or Coating
This type of noncombustible wood is created by applying special fire-resistant paints or coatings to the wood’s surface. It offers flexibility in cost and delivery time.
2. Noncombustible Wood Made by Chemical Injection
Here, noncombustible properties are imparted by injecting chemicals into the wood. Chemicals vary, with liquid-based chemicals potentially causing “dripping” and solid-based chemicals leading to the “white flower phenomenon.” Phosphoric acid-based materials are used for liquid treatments, while boric acid-based materials are for solid treatments.